Buying A Home in Your 20s

Buying A Home in Your 20s The stigma that millennials are living in their parent’s basement has slowly been losing its substance.  More and more young home buyers are emerging and make up approximately 32 percent of the market.  Millennials may be young but they have seen the benefits that come from putting down roots and making a smart financial decision like buying a home.  Many financial advisors will try to talk you out of buying a home before you have crossed some sort of financial stability line, but don’t let them fool you into thinking that age has anything to do with it.  If you are in your 20’s and are ready to buy a home don’t be afraid to take that path, just be aware of everything that comes with it.   Budgeting Before you get too excited about owning your own home you should really take a step back and make sure you are financially ready for that responsibility.  If you are married, single or living with someone you need to take into account all of your monetary value.  You want to live comfortably but remember that includes housing, transportation, other necessities as well as entertainment.   A good rule of thumb to follow is 28 percent of your gross monthly income. That 28 percent should include things like your mortgage, property taxes, insurance and maintenance.    When you first come out of college with a job that leaves you with disposable income it can seem tempting to invest more into a home than 28 percent, especially if you bought a car at 15-20 percent, but don’t let those numbers trick you into thinking you have more than you do.  Budgeting will allow you to live well and save for the future. BusinessInsider.com created a great chart to help you visualize what you can afford and you can view that here.   Mortgages The amount of money that you qualify to borrow for mortgage mainly depends on four things: income, expenses, down payment and current mortgage rates. Also, keep in mind the budget that you have created for yourself.  Beyond that there are several different types of home loans, rates, payments, terms as well as other costs and fees.  Lenders take into account things like your credit history  Consider looking into an FHA loan that will allow a cosigner’s income to be allotted when calculating how much you can borrow.  Learn about the different types of mortgages and pay attention to the market so that you can find the best type of loan for your situation. Finding the Right House You probably have a dream house in mind but you might not be able to afford it in your 20’s.  However a lot of young people buy starter homes that they plan on staying in for three to five years to be able to break even on their mortgage.  They aren’t the most glamorous homes or in the greatest locations but you will find them in your price range.   If you are ready to settle into a place for a while you may want to look for something a little more permanent.  New Aging is a way that you may be able to buy your retirement home now.  There are several young people who have invested their money into a home that they fully intend on retiring in.  It involves the community, the home itself and the vision you have for it to transform over the years considering age and disability.  When investing money into a house just take into account the time you intend on staying in it before you commit to anything.   Utilities and Maintenance One of the biggest arguments against young people becoming home owners is because there are a lot of responsibilities that come along with homes, namely utilities and maintenance costs.   When you rent you have the luxury of a landlord who has to take care of maintenance costs and problems every time something goes wrong but when you purchase a house for yourself you have to treat it like your baby.   When you are considering buying you need to take into account all of the maintenance costs that come along with home owning including but definitely not limited to: water, electric, waste management, upkeep, gas, and so much more.   Take lawn care, for example, the  average  lawn mowing price is $44.5 per mow in an area like Cleveland, its probably close to that everywhere though.   This can easily add up to nearly $200 per month just to have your grass cut.   So keep in mind that utilities and maintenance do add up.   However, these things are not impossible to take care of though, if your parents can do it then you have the ability too.   Just be prepared to put in the work and money. Amenities Let’s be honest, one of the perks of owning your own home is having a space that is completely yours and that space isn’t complete without entertainment.  Coming home and relaxing to your favorite television show after a long day of work is one of the simple pleasures in this life.  Being able to share your family vacation or the new dog house you built on social media helps you stay connected with the people you care about.  Internet and television require an extra cost that should be factored into your monthly payment.   I put this last because young people tend to put off the more important things for these amenities but they should be factored in last.  If you want a nice house, keep it nice by gardening and maintaining its value.  This house is your baby.  It needs attention and love to make it the home that you always dreamed to have.  Whether you’re buying a starter home or your home for retirement, you’ve made an amazing financial decision.  Welcome to adulthood.

Video Writing a Resume

Video Writing a ResumeVideo writing is a great way to make your resume stand out from the rest. Many people will simply leave their videos online or upload them to YouTube but you don't have to do that. You can also record them yourself, even if you don't know how to code. Writing a resume without the benefit of a video can be very frustrating.What you don't need is having to sift through hundreds of resumes, trying to locate the one that has your personal touch and the most relevant skills. The internet has changed the way many jobs are filled and this has brought about the idea of video resume writing. If you're planning on doing a resume by video, here are some tips to help you succeed.The first thing you should do is find a video that shows your strengths. Don't just hire someone who is famous for their skills. Instead, go to video hosting sites like YouTube and use those videos as examples of what to include in your resume. Think about the kind of things you want to cover and in clude that. Be sure to edit your resume after the video has been done to make sure it is as clear as possible.You should also include certain skills you have that are relevant to the job you are applying for. You should explain why these skills are relevant and highlight your unique abilities. Don't be afraid to put yourself down as being the best in a specific area, especially if you have made a good deal of money in that area. It will help the recruiter and give your resume a bit more substance.Think about where you would like to be in 5 years. If you have held the position you are currently in for several years and you think you will be leaving in a year or two, highlight this so the interviewer will know. This gives them a sense of urgency about the position and how quickly you can move up the ladder. Don't put too much emphasis on these things though, especially if you are moving up fast. You don't want to put someone off track before they can progress into a more senior positi on.While you can't be seen face to face with the recruiter, you can relay your message by using video to pass the message along. You should make sure that the video is not only clear but also is well edited. The video should be able to show the recruiter what you can offer, and then how you can do the job.Never copy and paste any information from your resume. It does no good and it will only take the reader away from your resume. Do whatever you can to make it your own. The important thing is that the person watching your video has a clear understanding of what you can do. Your video is the one piece of documentation that they can go back to look at again and see exactly what you were hired for.After you've recorded your video, you will need to edit the resume to make it reflect the changes you made. This can be a lot of work and it is important that you're not left behind with the rest of the pack. You should make sure that your video looks professional and has all the information in it that will be vital for the person hiring you.

Pick and Choose

Pick and Choose There are so many choices we have to make in our daily lives and over the course of our lifetime.   Have you made them with intent or did you take the path of least resistance? I watched a video yesterday from The Washington Post Innovations   (you can watch it here if you would like).   Eric Ries, author of a new book The Lean Startup says the US education system is failing students. (If you have children, this should get your blood boiling!) Ries believes that our schools are teaching and reinforcing a message that hard work is all it takes to be rewarded.   But, as Ries contends, hard work is just a part of it.   Critical thinking is the real holy grail.   Why?   Because in order to be successful today, people and companies need to take risks.   Calculated risks, but risks none the less.   When we take risks we might fail. Failure is the jumping off point. From failure, we have to critically evaluate how and why we failed and this is how we learn, grow and become better. Are you playing it safe? Do you think keeping your nose down and working hard is all it takes to reach your next goal? Think again. What calculated risks are you willing to take? How will you push the boundaries of what feels comfortable? Dis-satisfied with your job? If you are not happy in your current job, are you just going through the motions?   What can you do to make your work life more fulfilling? What new projects could you ask to take on? What areas are you looking to grow in or what skills do you want/need to develop? Or is it time to move on? Take the calculated risk Dis-satisfied with your job search? If you are one of the hundreds of thousands who have given up or are just going through the motions, then I ask: WHAT CALCULATED RISKS WILL YOU TAKE? Every day that goes by you are losing money, self-esteem and motivation. Pick a direction. Choose your actions and move forward. Failure is the jumping off point. Learn from your failures. Use critical thinking to evaluate what you can do differently. Dont accept defeat. Here are ways you can evaluate what isnt working and suggested risks. Are your friends and family sending you appropriate job leads? Make your message clear and consistent.   This is what I am looking for _______________. Are you receiving phone calls or emails requesting a phone interview? If not, your cover letter and resume need to be fixed or you need to look for a job you qualify for.   If your phone isnt ringing, then what youve sent the employer isnt working. Are you getting phone interviews, but arent being invited in for an interview? What you are saying over the phone isnt convincing the caller you are it. Change what you are saying and how you are saying it. Are you getting interviews but no job offers? Again, what you are saying isnt convincing the employer that you are the right person.   Change what and how you are saying. Are you on LinkedIn but no one is contacting you for a job? You have to use this tool. Be sure you have a robust profile (read more here) and participate in groups and interact with your network.   Dont just sit there like a bump on a log. Do you think Twitter, Google Plus or Facebook are a waste of time or are you afraid to try? Thousands of people are using these tools to connect with friends, family, past co-workers, potential employers and landing jobs.   Dont tell me it is stupid. You Pick and Choose You can make a change.   You can secure a new job.   It takes not being afraid of failure.

5 Steps to Elevate Your IT Job Search - CareerAlley

5 Steps to Elevate Your IT Job Search - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. Every year thousands of students complete their degrees and become a job aspirant after crossing their college gate. To get placed in a good MNC with handsome salary package is a wish for every candidate. But does this wish come true to everyone? The majority of them will answer NO. After completing their studies and internships, most of them get selected for different companies after clearing interviews. But the question is, the candidates who have been selected, has they got their ideal job, which they have dreamt of? Being a fresher or intern, if you are not getting the type of job you wants; it means there are some loopholes left behind in your searching. However, to get a job that matches your technical skills and requirement, you have to keep your eyes open while hunting for the one. There are many sources you have come across while pursuing your studies. Most of you have assumed that there are best IT jobs available in the sector to settle your career in. Although, internet is a huge array of job search sites that offer you variety of careers in IT sector suiting your talent and capabilities. Thus, you would be easily acquired with all the information regarding location, salary, designation in few clicks. To make sure that your job search is effective, you have to go for the tools that will increase the chances to get a right job. For being ahead in the competition, you should start looking for the ways to improve the probability of getting a nice job. If you are not getting the desired one, then go through these steps to find a job that justifies your talent: Have a Proper Qualification To get a right job, you have to get the right qualification and focus with full concentration to acquire a good degree. You may need to spend a year or couple of years to earn your certification or professional training. Understand the Sector To get your foot into the industry, you first need to know and understand about it. If you wish to work with the most reputed MNCs; then you have to be prepared according to their needs. To fit in and make your name, learn and implement in the market first. Be an innovator If you want to reach at the top to get success; automatically you have to think different. Come up with new ideas and innovations in revolutionizing the technical world to prove your worth. Stay Updated Make yourself focused with the new jobs coming everyday in this sector. Conduct your search and keep yourself updated with all the current news and job updations to get a job in your specified area. Be Optimistic and Impressive while Interview Carry your resume properly in a formal manner. Dress well Speak clearly and fluently Be confident Know everything about the job you are interviewing for Focus on your gestures and body language Rather than applying for everything and hoping for the best, do target the job that you are fit for. Dont apply for distinct positions with same company; which make you look distracted. Try to focus on becoming the industry person; so that your desired job come to you, not you have to go for it. Author Bio:- James is a marketing manager for The Jobslog where you can find any types of IT Jobs, Healthcare, Finance, Government or other fields. This is a Guest post. If you would like to submit a guest post to CareerAlley, please follow these guest post guidelines. Good luck in your search. Joey Trebif

Our trip! Our trip!

Our trip! Our trip! Oh, you guysour trip, our trip! It was the most amazeballs of everything amazeballs. I just loved loved loved being part of my sis-in-laws wedding party. The pro shots arent ready yet, but I thought this was the best representation of the quiet, shy, subdued group of people I got to share this special day with: Can you spot me right behind the bride? Yup I obviously dont fit in at all (please note sarcasm). Two days after the wedding, Luke and I went to The Grand Canyon for lots of aah-ing, drooling, and wow-ing. I mean, if you havent been, you need to. Its super beautiful, and at night a million different animals come out of hiding! We woke up to watch the sunrise over the canyon one day, but ended up walking in on a whole family of elk just lounging around. We then saw a pair of mountain goats jump over the side of the Canyon (I thought they committed suicide, but Luke informed me that they have super good mountain goat grip and were fine), and later that night we drove past a whole family of deer! Just like I see in Brooklyn.ha! Anyway, Id post pics here of the animals, but the camera was on the wrong setting somehow and all the animal shots were super blurry. So, enjoy this one instead: I meanright?! So, obviously, I had a super wonderful amazing time. I hope you guys enjoyed all of the glorious guest posts (thanks to Lauryn, Patty and Sara!) and some of my fave reruns while I was gone!

Finds the Right Resume Writing Tips

Finds the Right Resume Writing TipsIf you are trying to figure out how to write a resume you are probably looking for a few good resume writing tips. There are many good resources online to help you get the job that you have always wanted. Just be sure that the resources that you use are reliable and legitimate.You may already know what you want to say in your resume, but there are also good resources online to help you make sure that you have the right resume. The most important thing is to be clear and to show the employer that you are interested in working for them.A good idea is to incorporate previous work experience and education into your resume. Not only will this give you more experience, but it will also show potential employers that you have completed a very wide range of work. Employers are looking for diversity when it comes to applicants, so having work experience will go a long way.If you have some skills and knowledge that could be used in a current position, this is always a good idea. Having an updated resume that is actually updated will also show your current employer that you are not simply filling a position that has been opened.If you are new to a company or are currently looking for a job, an updated resume showing some of your newest skills will help to show your potential employer that you are looking for a good opportunity to move forward. In addition, you can also use your experience in this area to show your employer that you have developed new skills that could make you a better candidate for the position.Sometimes your resume can get lost in the shuffle of other resumes. Sometimes the job that you are applying for is so crucial that no one wants to put the weight of their resume in your hands. If this is the case, you will need to include the information that your employer would really want to see in your resume.Sometimes it can be helpful to contact previous employers and tell them about you. This can be very beneficial to your r esume and to the person who is reviewing it for the first time. Taking the time to communicate with your future employer can help you a great deal.

Get the Scoop on Best Practices for Resume Writing Before Youre Too Late

Get the Scoop on Best Practices for Resume Writing Before You're Too Late New Ideas Into Best Practices for Resume Writing Never Before Revealed If your general career goals don't align with the business or position you're applying for, then you have to rethink applying. The federal hiring procedure can be daunting. Don't forget to correct the quantity of experience your resume reveals depending on the amount sought for the job you're applying for. So as to set yourself apart from different applicants, your objective should be detailed, tailored to your career objectives, and tailored to the job which you are applying for. A Startling Fact about Best Practices for Resume Writing Uncovered In the present economy, plenty of people have the proper abilities, so employers want a person who really wants the job, states Glickman. Be certain to tailor your resume to the particular industry or job type that you are looking for. As an employee, you must always be on the lookout for methods to be better at your work, gain valuable skills that transfer from company to company and raise your knowledge in special places. The job, the business, and the institution proved not the correct fit for me. All your efforts will be useless if you attempt to apply for jobs you aren't perfectly fit for. Whether you're looking for your very first job or seeking to earn a career change, the approach starts with your resume. There are lots of books that are available and you may go through various cover letters. Crafting the ideal objective for resumes can be hard, but with a couple questions in mind, you are in possession of a terrific statement sure to capture and engage your upcoming employer. When you get prepared to update your resume, there are a couple of important actions to take before you begin writing. Writing in complete sentences will make you be descriptive. The Advantages of Best Practices for Resume Writing There's an excellent chance it won't include all the keywords set out in the work description. Whenever you have plenty of experience, it isn't realistic to list everything that you've ever done. Some people wish to place their education up top. As part of sele cting the best resume builder, consider whether it grants you the flexibility to modify section headings.